Title
2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (B)
Explanation
The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program administered by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). DOE provides EECBG funds to local governments, states, territories, and Indian tribes to fund projects that reduce energy use, cut fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency. $3.2 billion was allocated to the EECBG program through the ARRA, of which, $1.86 billion went to local governments as formula grants. The City of Gainesville received a direct formula allocation of $1,198,500. The remaining funds were distributed to tribes, DOE competitive grants, DOE technical assistance and administration, and state energy offices.
As a recipient of a direct formula allocation, the City of Gainesville must submit an application for funding to DOE by June 25, 2009. General Government and GRU staff have met and compiled a list of projects that are eligible for EECBG funding. These projects have been evaluated and ranked using the following EECBG performance metrics: jobs created and/or retained; energy (kwh/therms/gallons/BRUs/ets.) saved; renewable energy generated; GHG emissions reduced; and cost savings. Staff determined that the following criteria should also be considered in the ranking process: the project meets one or more City Commission strategic initiative and cost per kwh saved.
Once projects are approved by the City Commission, staff will submit an application to the DOE EECBG program by the June 25, 2009 deadline. The City will also be required to submit and Energy Efficiency and Conservation strategy that must be submitted no later than 120 days after the date of award.
Fiscal Impact
The City of Gainesville has been notified the annual allocation will be $1,198,500.
Recommendation
The City Commiss...
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